IGBC, Punjab National Bank Partner to Promote Green Home Ownership in India

Hyderabad, July 27, 2026: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote green home ownership by improving access to preferential financing for buyers of IGBC-certified residential projects.

The partnership establishes a framework for information sharing between IGBC and PNB, enabling eligible residential projects certified by IGBC to be considered under PNB's Harit Niwas Scheme. The initiative aims to encourage sustainable housing by linking green building certification with financial incentives for homebuyers.

According to IGBC, its Green Homes Rating System has facilitated the registration of 4,298 green housing projects, covering over 4.68 billion sq. ft. The collaboration is expected to further strengthen the adoption of green building practices by making certified homes more affordable.

Under the agreement, IGBC will identify residential projects eligible for pre-certification and certification under the Harit Niwas Scheme, while PNB will promote financing for developers and homebuyers. The two organisations will also work together to raise awareness, engage industry stakeholders and explore innovative financing models, including for affordable green housing projects.

Mr. Firoz Hasnain, Chief General Manager, MSME & Retail Division, Punjab National Bank, said, “We are pleased to join hands with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in a partnership that reinforces our shared commitment to sustainable and responsible growth. Through PNB Harit Niwas, we aim to make green housing more accessible and affordable by providing customers with enhanced financial advantages that improve affordability, ease the financing burden, and encourage the adoption of environmentally responsible homes. This collaboration represents a strategic partnership that creates shared value for both institutions—while IGBC advances the adoption of green building standards across the country, PNB empowers customers to embrace sustainable living through attractive financing support. Together, we aspire to accelerate the transition towards greener communities, create long-term value for homebuyers, and contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainability and climate goals.”

Mr. Anuj Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, IGBC Green Banks & Finance, said, "The collaboration between IGBC and Punjab National Bank marks a significant milestone in mainstreaming green homes in India. While customers increasingly recognize the environmental and health benefits of sustainable homes, financial incentives, enhanced eligibility provide an added reason to choose greener living. By linking IGBC green building certification with preferential financing, we are creating a win-win proposition for homebuyers, developers, financial institutions, and the environment alike. We believe this initiative will accelerate the adoption of IGBC-certified green residential projects and contribute meaningfully to India's sustainability and climate goals."

Under the Harit Niwas Scheme, eligible homebuyers purchasing homes in IGBC-certified projects will receive benefits including a 0.10% interest rate concession, nil processing and documentation charges, and up to 5% enhanced repayment eligibility, strengthening the financial appeal of sustainable housing.